Garrett Nussmeier NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Kansas City Chiefs QB

Damian ParsonOct 12, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 249 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Garrett Nussmeier is a "pro-ready" quarterback prospect and a natural thrower. His playing style resembles a pass-first point guard on the NBA hardwood.

Nussmeier is a timing and rhythm quarterback, who delivers highly catchable passes at all three levels of the field. He is an excellent fit for teams that prioritize the quick passing game. Nussmeier will work particularly well inside a West Coast offensive system.

Nussmeier is a 6'2", 205-pound quarterback who entered LSU as a 4-star recruit in the 2021 class. In 2024, Nussmeier threw 4,043 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He struggled with being a gunslinger and testing occupied windows last season, putting the football in harm's way. This season didn't go well for LSU's QB. He suffered an under-reported and very serious core injury that Nussmeier explained, causing him to relearn how to throw with his core.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Inside the structure and confines of the offensive scheme. He runs plays as designed and has complete control at the line of scrimmage to make any protection checks and route changes based on what the defense shows pre-snap.

- Quick processor of information post-snap. Recognizes post-snap defensive shifts and rolls with the coverage shell to locate the open receiver. He's smart enough to handle full-field reads and work through his progressions efficiently.

- A calm and cool operator against the blitz. Nussmeier identifies the potential blitzers and helps his offensive line prepare for the extra defenders.

- Nussmeier is more athletic than he appears. He quickly senses and evades edge pressure, using his legs to break the pocket, and keeps his eyes down the field for an open target.

- High football IQ and understanding of playing the quarterback position and the responsibilities that come with it. From making pre-snap checks and route adjustments based on the defensive formation to sliding protections against incoming pressure packages.

- Accuracy, ball placement, and anticipating throws are his A-traits. Nussmeier sees the field well and delivers accurate passes at all levels of the field. When kept clean, he places the football precisely where his receiver needs it.

Areas of Improvement

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- Battled a serious core injury, which led to throwing with poor mechanics and bad habits

- When forced to roll to his weak side, his passes lose steam.

- His gunslinger mentality needs to be kept under control. Nussmeier's worst plays happen when he makes those "I can make this work" decisions with the football.

- Interior pressure gives him trouble in the pocket. This typically forces him off his spot quickly, and he begins to drift in the pocket.

- He puts the ball in harm's way when pressured. He must learn to either take the sack or throw the ball away.

- Physically, he will not check the boxes in the height and weight department.